Ghana Health Service launches Excellence Awards

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has launched the second edition of its Excellence Awards with a call on health workers and the general public to make nominations.

The awards scheme was set up in 2022 to inspire, acknowledge and reward health workers and institutions for their outstanding contributions to healthcare delivery in the country.

Launched in Accra on Monday, it will start from the district level to the regional and culminate in the grand national awards.

It is on the theme: "Sustaining partnerships for effective and efficient healthcare delivery."

Nominations, which opened on the day of the launch, are expected to close on July 23 while the national awards have been slated for October 11, 2024.

It comprises three broad categories: Individual Staff awards, Institutional and Leadership awards, and special awards.

In 2023, a total of 1,779 individuals and institutions were recognised across various award categories at different service levels. 

This year, the GHS aims to recognise 2,578 individuals and institutions for their exceptional contributions, achievements and performance at the district, regional, headquarters and national levels. 

The Grand Awards ceremony will feature a total of 25 awards. 

Launching the second edition of the awards, the Director-General of the GHS, Dr Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, said people should go to the GHS website to fill out the forms.

Alternatively, he said they could print out, fill and submit or pick up the forms from any district office.

He said it was to recognise and celebrate the exceptional performance and meritorious service of individual health workers and institutions.

“The scheme also seeks to promote a culture of achievement and excellence, attract and retain health professionals in deprived areas and serve as a motivational tool for those underperforming to aspire toward future recognition and rewards,” he said.

Customer care

Dr Kuma-Aboagye said the scheme was integral to the service’s effort to enhance customer care and promote patient satisfaction throughout healthcare facilities.

“I wish to acknowledge and salute our gallant health managers and workers across the country. Their tireless efforts over the years have continuously improved healthcare delivery in our dear nation. I say, Ayeekoo! “

“Many health workers, especially in remote areas, provide dedicated and compassionate services under challenging conditions, yet their remarkable efforts are often not publicly acknowledged or appreciated. This, we believe, must change, and this is why we have prioritised the GHS Excellence Awards.

“While it is true that some health workers occasionally exhibit untoward behaviour and are rightfully disciplined, it is crucial to recognise and celebrate those who demonstrate outstanding dedication and innovation in their work. Such recognition is key to instilling national pride and motivating them to continue improving and sustaining performance in healthcare delivery,” he said.

“To make this initiative and particularly this year’s award a success and to help achieve our shared goals, we passionately appeal to all organisations — corporate bodies, NGOs, development partners, district assemblies, regional coordinating councils, philanthropists, traditional leaders, community members and the media to support.

Performance management

The Chairperson of the National Awards Committee, Araba Kudiabor, said the award scheme formed an integral part of the service’s broader performance management initiative. 

She said it represented the collective appreciation of stakeholders for the tireless efforts of health workers. 

She said it is also to inspire healthcare workers across the country to engage in continuous improvement in healthcare provision. 

Writer’s email: doreen.andoh@graphic.com.gh